Pls help on AWA, exam coming
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22 Aug 2008, 03:30
Hi all,
I am in the final stage of preparing my real exam. Now would like to get some idea about my performance in AWA. Could you please give me a roungh score?
Argument
The following appeared as part of an article in a magazine on lifestyles.
"Two years ago, City L was listed 14th in an annual survey that ranks cities according to the quality of life that can be enjoyed by those living in them. This information will enable people who are moving to the state in which City L is located to confidently identify one place, at least, where schools are good, housing is affordable, people are friendly, the environment is safe, and the arts flourish."
The argument states that two years ago City L was listed 14th in an survey that ranks cities according to the quality of life that can be enjoyed by those living in them; hence the arugument concludes that if people move to the state in which City L is located. they can enjoy good schools, affordable housing, friendly people, safe environment, and flourish arts. Stated in that way, the argument fails to mention several factors, on the basis of which the situation can be fully evaluated. The conclusion bases on a few assumption, for which there is no clear evidence provided. As such, the arugment is rather weak, unconvincing, and flawed.
First of all, the arthor readily assumes that the living quality is equal among all the cities in the state where City L is located. It can be the case that only City L has relatively good living quality as compared to the other cities in the state. So, even though it may be true that City L is a good city to live in, the state is overall unfavorable to residents.
Second, the arugument fails to mention the details of the survey. Without giving information on the total cities surveyed, it is impossible to comment on the living quality in City L. It is possible that the survey only includes 14 cities. Consequently, ranking 14th out of 14 cities is clearly not a good result for City L. In order to strengthen the arugment, the arthor should include mention more details about the survey, such as the sample size and methodologies, etc.
Thrid, the result bases on the survey done two years ago. The living condition of City L may have changed within the past two years. Therefore, the result may not be representative to the current situation in City L. Because the survey is done annually, it is difficult to understand why the arthor does not use the latest result. In order to strengthen the statement, the arthor should explain why he uses an outdated result. Otherwise, the conclusion has no legs to stand on.
To conclude, the argument is unconvincing and flawed because of the reasons mentioned above. Ultimately, the arthor can strengthen his statement by mentioning all the relevant factors. In order to assess the merits of the situation, it is important to have full knowledges on all relevant facts.